Somber SF ceremonies honor those killed in 9/11 attacks

Firefighter Dave Crespin raises a flag to half staff during a ceremony to commemorate the firefighters who perished in the 9/11 attacks, at Fire Station 7 in San Francisco.

Firefighter Dave Crespin raises a flag to half staff during a ceremony to commemorate the firefighters who perished in the 9/11 attacks, at Fire Station 7 in San Francisco.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle

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A firefighter prepares for a ceremony to commemorate those who perished in the 9/11 attacks, at Fire Station 7 in San Francisco on Sept. 11, 2017.

A firefighter prepares for a ceremony to commemorate those who perished in the 9/11 attacks, at Fire Station 7 in San Francisco on Sept. 11, 2017.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle

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A ceremony to commemorate the firefighters who perished in the 9/11 attacks was held at Fire Station 7 in San Francisco.

A ceremony to commemorate the firefighters who perished in the 9/11 attacks was held at Fire Station 7 in San Francisco.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle

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Firefighters salute the American flag at the start of a ceremony to commemorate the firefighters who were killed in the attacks on September 11th, 2001 at Fire Station 7 in San Francisco.

Firefighters salute the American flag at the start of a ceremony to commemorate the firefighters who were killed in the attacks on September 11th, 2001 at Fire Station 7 in San Francisco.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle

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Firefighter Graham Hoffman (center) reads off the names of firefighters who perished in the attacks on 9/11 during a ceremony to commemorate the firefighters at Fire Station 7 in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 11, 2017. less

Firefighter Graham Hoffman (center) reads off the names of firefighters who perished in the attacks on 9/11 during a ceremony to commemorate the firefighters at Fire Station 7 in San Francisco, Calif., on ... more

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle

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The bay doors of the a fire station at 2300 Folsom St. in San Francisco rise and fire engins and apparatus roll out Monday morning, Sept. 11, 2016, as firefighters around the city and nation commenorate the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. less

The bay doors of the a fire station at 2300 Folsom St. in San Francisco rise and fire engins and apparatus roll out Monday morning, Sept. 11, 2016, as firefighters around the city and nation commenorate the ... more

Photo: Lizzie Johnson / The Chronicle / /

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Firefighters at Fire Station 7 at 2300 Folsom St. in San Francisco line up in formation Monday morning, Sept. 11, 2016, as the city and nation commenorated the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Firefighters at Fire Station 7 at 2300 Folsom St. in San Francisco line up in formation Monday morning, Sept. 11, 2016, as the city and nation commenorated the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Photo: Lizzie Johnson / The Chronicle / /

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Haunting Images: The terror attacks of 9/11

The Statue of Liberty stands before the smoke rising from Ground Zero after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.

Haunting Images: The terror attacks of 9/11

The Statue of Liberty stands before the smoke rising from Ground Zero after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.

Photo: Dan Loh, Associated Press

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The Statue of Liberty stands before the smoke rising from Ground Zero after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.

The Statue of Liberty stands before the smoke rising from Ground Zero after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.

Photo: DAN LOH/AP

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The aftermath of the terror attacks on September 11, 2001.

The aftermath of the terror attacks on September 11, 2001.

Photo: New York Daily News Archive/NY Daily News Via Getty Images

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This 11 September 2001 file photo shows Marcy Borders covered in dust as she takes refuge in an office building after one of the World Trade Center towers collapsed in New York.

This 11 September 2001 file photo shows Marcy Borders covered in dust as she takes refuge in an office building after one of the World Trade Center towers collapsed in New York.

Photo: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

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World Trade Center Terrorist Attack-An apartment on Liberty Street is a burned-out shell after the terrorist attack on and collapse of the World Trade Center Tuesday. Thousands of residents of Battery Park City and lower Manhattan were forced to flee after the disaster rendered their homes uninhabitable. (Photo by Todd Maisel/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)

World Trade Center Terrorist Attack-An apartment on Liberty Street is a burned-out shell after the terrorist attack on and collapse of the World Trade Center Tuesday. Thousands of residents of Battery Park City

The second of two airliners is flown into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

The second of two airliners is flown into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Photo: WILLIAM KRATZKE/AP

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Smoke billows from one of the towers of the World Trade Center and flames and debris explode from the second tower, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. In one of the most horrifying attacks ever against the United States, terrorists crashed two airliners into the World Trade Center in a deadly series of blows that brought down the twin 110-story towers. (AP Photo/Chao Soi Cheong)

Smoke billows from one of the towers of the World Trade Center and flames and debris explode from the second tower, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. In one of the most horrifying attacks ever against the United States,

Spectators look up as the World Trade Center goes up in flames September 11, 2001 in New York City after two airplanes slammed into the twin towers in an alleged terrorist attack. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Spectators look up as the World Trade Center goes up in flames September 11, 2001 in New York City after two airplanes slammed into the twin towers in an alleged terrorist attack. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty

People run from the collapse of one of the twin towers of New York's World Trade Center in this Sept. 11, 2001, file photo. (AP Photo/FILE/Suzanne Plunkett)

People run from the collapse of one of the twin towers of New York's World Trade Center in this Sept. 11, 2001, file photo. (AP Photo/FILE/Suzanne Plunkett)

Photo: SUZANNE PLUNKETT/AP

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Lower Manhattan Show Smoke Rising From The Site Of The World Trade Center Terrorist Attack September 15, 2001 In This Space Imaging's Ikonos Satellite Image. The Image Shows The Remains Of The 1,350-Foot Towers Of The World Trade Center, And The Debris And Dust That Has Settled Throughout The Area. Also Visible Are The Many Emergency And Rescue Vehicles In The Streets In The Vicinity Of The Disaster. (Photo By Getty Images)

Lower Manhattan Show Smoke Rising From The Site Of The World Trade Center Terrorist Attack September 15, 2001 In This Space Imaging's Ikonos Satellite Image. The Image Shows The Remains Of The 1,350-Foot Towers

White House Chief of Staff Andy Card informs President George W. Bush of the terror attacks on September 11, 2001.

White House Chief of Staff Andy Card informs President George W. Bush of the terror attacks on September 11, 2001.

Photo: DOUG MILLS/AP

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The aftermath of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York, United States on September 11, 2001.

The aftermath of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York, United States on September 11, 2001.

Photo: Alex CAMACHO/Gamma-Rapho Via Getty Images

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This 11 September 2001 file photo shows a police officer (R) and others walking up Park Row from St. Paul's Chapel (background), a few blocks from the World Trade Center site, in streets covered with debris in New York City shortly after the two towers collapsed.

This 11 September 2001 file photo shows a police officer (R) and others walking up Park Row from St. Paul's Chapel (background), a few blocks from the World Trade Center site, in streets covered with debris in

In the East Village, a candlelight vigil illuminates a new mural commemorating the World Trade Center terror attack of 9/11, New York, New York, September 15, 2001.

In the East Village, a candlelight vigil illuminates a new mural commemorating the World Trade Center terror attack of 9/11, New York, New York, September 15, 2001.

Photo: Allan Tannenbaum/Getty Images

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Firefighters, with agony etched on their faces, give a last salute to their beloved colleague, the Rev. Mychal Judge, during his funeral at St. Francis of Assisi Church on W. 31st St. Judge, a Fire Department chaplain, was killed by falling debris on Tuesday while administering last rites to a firefighter at the scene of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. (Photo by Linda Rosier/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)

Firefighters, with agony etched on their faces, give a last salute to their beloved colleague, the Rev. Mychal Judge, during his funeral at St. Francis of Assisi Church on W. 31st St. Judge, a Fire Department

Edward Fine, of Watchung, New Jersey, who was pulled from the debris by co-workers on the 91st floor of the World Trade Center's north tower, covers his mouth as he walks through debris after the collapse of one of the World Trade Center Towers 11 September, 2001 in New York.

Edward Fine, of Watchung, New Jersey, who was pulled from the debris by co-workers on the 91st floor of the World Trade Center's north tower, covers his mouth as he walks through debris after the collapse of

A victim of the World Trade Center attack is tended to by paramedics September 11, 2001 en route to the hospital in New York City.

A victim of the World Trade Center attack is tended to by paramedics September 11, 2001 en route to the hospital in New York City.

Photo: Carolyn Schaefer/Getty Images

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People run away as the second tower of World Trade Center crumbles down after a plane hit the building September 11, 2001 in New York City.

People run away as the second tower of World Trade Center crumbles down after a plane hit the building September 11, 2001 in New York City.

Photo: Jose Jimenez/Primera Hora/Getty Images)

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A man falls from the north tower of New York's World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, after terrorists crashed two hijacked airliners into the WTC twin towers. (ASSOCIATED PRESS, RICHARD DREW)

A man falls from the north tower of New York's World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, after terrorists crashed two hijacked airliners into the WTC twin towers. (ASSOCIATED PRESS, RICHARD DREW)

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Policemen and firemen run away from the huge dust cloud caused as the World Trade Center's Tower One collapses after terrorists crashed two hijacked planes into the twin towers, September 11, 2001 in New York City.

Policemen and firemen run away from the huge dust cloud caused as the World Trade Center's Tower One collapses after terrorists crashed two hijacked planes into the twin towers, September 11, 2001 in New York

People walk in the street in the area where the World Trade Center buildings collapsed September 11, 2001 after two airplanes slammed into the twin towers in a suspected terrorist attack.

People walk in the street in the area where the World Trade Center buildings collapsed September 11, 2001 after two airplanes slammed into the twin towers in a suspected terrorist attack.

Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images

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A view through a broken out office window shows the wreckage of the World Trade Center 25 September 2001 in New York. Search and rescue efforts continue in the aftermath of the 11 September terrorist attack.

A view through a broken out office window shows the wreckage of the World Trade Center 25 September 2001 in New York. Search and rescue efforts continue in the aftermath of the 11 September terrorist attack.

Photo: ERIC FEFERBERG/AFP/Getty Images

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Police Officer Moira Smith helps Edward Nicholls, 50, a broker at Aon, from the south tower of the World Trade Center minutes before its collapse. She reentered the building to assist others in the evacuation and was killed. (Photo by Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)

Police Officer Moira Smith helps Edward Nicholls, 50, a broker at Aon, from the south tower of the World Trade Center minutes before its collapse. She reentered the building to assist others in the evacuation

Two women hold each other as they watch the World Trade Center burn following a terrorist attack on the twin skyscrapers in New York Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. Terrorists crashed two planes into the World Trade Center and the twin 110-story towers collapsed Tuesday morning. (AP Photo/Ernesto Mora)

Two women hold each other as they watch the World Trade Center burn following a terrorist attack on the twin skyscrapers in New York Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. Terrorists crashed two planes into the World Trade

New York Daily News staff photographer David Handschuh is carried from site after his leg was shattered by falling debris while he was photographing the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 in New York City. (Photo by Todd Maisel/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)

New York Daily News staff photographer David Handschuh is carried from site after his leg was shattered by falling debris while he was photographing the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September

This 11 September 2001 file photo shows a man standing amid rubble, calling out asking if anyone needs help, following the collapse of the first World Trade Center tower in New York after two hijacked planes crashed into the buildings.

This 11 September 2001 file photo shows a man standing amid rubble, calling out asking if anyone needs help, following the collapse of the first World Trade Center tower in New York after two hijacked planes

An unidentified New York City firefighter walks away from Ground Zero after the collapse of the Twin Towers September 11, 2001 in New York City. The World Trade Center's Twin Towers and the Pentagon were attacked by terrorists using commercial airliners as missiles.

An unidentified New York City firefighter walks away from Ground Zero after the collapse of the Twin Towers September 11, 2001 in New York City. The World Trade Center's Twin Towers and the Pentagon were

The twin towers of the World Trade Center burn behind the Empire State Building in New York, Sept. 11, 2001. In a horrific sequence of destruction, terrorists crashed two planes into the World Trade Center causing the twin 110-story towers to collapse. (AP Photo/Marty Lederhandler)

The twin towers of the World Trade Center burn behind the Empire State Building in New York, Sept. 11, 2001. In a horrific sequence of destruction, terrorists crashed two planes into the World Trade Center

This is a view of the Manhattan skyline as seen from Brooklyn after the collapse of the World Trade Center towers, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

This is a view of the Manhattan skyline as seen from Brooklyn after the collapse of the World Trade Center towers, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Photo: KATHY WILLENS/ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Firefighters look for survivors in the rubble of the World Trade Center after it was struck by a commercial airliner in a terrorist attack.

Firefighters look for survivors in the rubble of the World Trade Center after it was struck by a commercial airliner in a terrorist attack.

Photo: New York Daily News Archive/NY Daily News Via Getty Images

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Firefighters walk through the rubble of the World Trade Center after it was struck by a commercial airliner in a terrorist attack.

Firefighters walk through the rubble of the World Trade Center after it was struck by a commercial airliner in a terrorist attack.

Photo: New York Daily News Archive/NY Daily News Via Getty Images

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Exhausted firemen take a much needed rest on Broadway during the search for survivors after terrorist attack at World Trade Center.

Exhausted firemen take a much needed rest on Broadway during the search for survivors after terrorist attack at World Trade Center.

Photo: New York Daily News Archive/NY Daily News Via Getty Images

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Firefighters search through the rubble of the World Trade Center after it was struck by a commercial airliner in a terrorist attack.

Firefighters search through the rubble of the World Trade Center after it was struck by a commercial airliner in a terrorist attack.

Photo: New York Daily News Archive/NY Daily News Via Getty Images

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President George W. Bush speaks to rescue workers, firefighters and police officers from the rubble of Ground Zero September 14, 2001 in New York City. Standing with Bush is retired firefighter Bob Beckwith and at (R) is New York Governor George Pataki. (Photo by Eric Draper/White House/Getty Images)

President George W. Bush speaks to rescue workers, firefighters and police officers from the rubble of Ground Zero September 14, 2001 in New York City. Standing with Bush is retired firefighter Bob Beckwith and

New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, President George W. Bush and New York Governor George Pataki at Ground Zero after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.

New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, President George W. Bush and New York Governor George Pataki at Ground Zero after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.

Photo: DOUG MILLS/AP

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A New York City fireman calls for 10 more rescue workers to make their way into the rubble of the World Trade Center September 14, 2001 days after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack.

A New York City fireman calls for 10 more rescue workers to make their way into the rubble of the World Trade Center September 14, 2001 days after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack.

Photo: U.S. Navy Photo By Jim Watson/Getty Images

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A flag flies over the crash sight of United 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.

A flag flies over the crash sight of United 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.

Photo: GENE J. PUSKAR/AP

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People in front of New York's St. Patrick's Cathedral react with horror as they look down Fifth Ave towards the World Trade Center towers after planes crashed into their upper floors in this Sept. 11, 2001, file photo. Explosions and fires collapsed the 110-story buildings. This year will mark the fifth anniversary of the attacks. (AP Photo/Marty Lederhandler/FILE)

People in front of New York's St. Patrick's Cathedral react with horror as they look down Fifth Ave towards the World Trade Center towers after planes crashed into their upper floors in this Sept. 11, 2001,

An American flag at ground zero on the evening of Sept. 11, 2001 after the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City.(AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

An American flag at ground zero on the evening of Sept. 11, 2001 after the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City.(AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

Photo: Mark Lennihan/AP

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Capt. Michael Dugan hangs an American flag from a light pole in front of what is left of the World Trade Center after it was destroyed in a terrorist attack.

Capt. Michael Dugan hangs an American flag from a light pole in front of what is left of the World Trade Center after it was destroyed in a terrorist attack.

Photo: New York Daily News Archive/NY Daily News Via Getty Images

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Mourners created a vigil for victims of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in New York.

Mourners created a vigil for victims of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in New York.

Photo: MARK LENNIHAN/AP

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Jessica Cushman, foreground left, and her best friend Melissa O'Neil, behind Cushman at right, join others Friday, Sept. 14, 2001, outside St. Agatha Parish Family Church in Los Angeles for a candlelight vigil honoring the victims of Tuesday's terrorist attacks. The vigil was part of the national day of prayer activities planned nationwide. (AP Photo/Ric Francis)

An American flag is posted in the rubble of the World Trade Center Thursday, Sept. 13, 2001, in New York. The search for survivors and the recovery of the victims continues since Tuesday's terrorist attack. (AP Photo/Beth A. Keiser)

An American flag is posted in the rubble of the World Trade Center Thursday, Sept. 13, 2001, in New York. The search for survivors and the recovery of the victims continues since Tuesday's terrorist attack. (AP

Firefighters drape an American flag on the Pentagon after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.

Firefighters drape an American flag on the Pentagon after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.

Photo: STEVE HELBER/AP

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Rescue worker look over damage at the Pentagon Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. The Pentagon burst into flames and a portion of one side of the five-sided structure collapsed after the building was hit by an aircraft in an apparent terrorist attack. (AP Photo/Kamneko Pajic)

Rescue worker look over damage at the Pentagon Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. The Pentagon burst into flames and a portion of one side of the five-sided structure collapsed after the building was hit by an aircraft

Firefighters during the Ground Zero recovery effort at the World Trade Center in 2001.

Firefighters during the Ground Zero recovery effort at the World Trade Center in 2001.

Photo: BETH KEISER/AP

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The Pentagon after the terror attacks on September 11, 2001.

The Pentagon after the terror attacks on September 11, 2001.

Photo: RON EDMONDS/AP

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Remains of the facade of Two World Trade Center is all that stands after Tuesday's terrorist attack Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2001 in New York. (AP Photo/Nick Fanelli)

Remains of the facade of Two World Trade Center is all that stands after Tuesday's terrorist attack Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2001 in New York. (AP Photo/Nick Fanelli)

Photo: NICK FANELLI/AP

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With the skeleton of the World Trade Center twin towers in the background, New York City firefighters work amid debris on Cortlandt St. after the terrorist attacks of Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

With the skeleton of the World Trade Center twin towers in the background, New York City firefighters work amid debris on Cortlandt St. after the terrorist attacks of Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. (AP Photo/Mark

The remains of the World Trade Center stands amid the debris following the terrorist attack on the building in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. (AP Photo/Alexandre Fuchs)

The remains of the World Trade Center stands amid the debris following the terrorist attack on the building in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. (AP Photo/Alexandre Fuchs)

Photo: ALEX FUCHS/AP

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The aftermath of the terror attacks on the World Trade Center.

The aftermath of the terror attacks on the World Trade Center.

Photo: BOUDICON ONE/AP

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People flee lower Manhattan across the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, following a terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. (AP Photo/Daniel Shanken)

People flee lower Manhattan across the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, following a terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. (AP Photo/Daniel Shanken)

Photo: DANIEL SHANKEN/AP

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Dust and debris cloud the air near the site of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. (AP Photo/Bernadette Tuazon)

Dust and debris cloud the air near the site of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. (AP Photo/Bernadette Tuazon)

Photo: BERNADETTE TUAZON/AP

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Deputy U.S. marshal Dominic Guadagnoli helps a women after she was injured in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. (AP Photo/Gulnara Samoilova)

Deputy U.S. marshal Dominic Guadagnoli helps a women after she was injured in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. (AP Photo/Gulnara Samoilova)

Photo: GULNARA SAMOILOVA/AP

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Workers run away from the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Workers run away from the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Photo: DIANE BONDAREFF/AP

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Pedestrians in lower Manhattan watch smoke rise from the World Trade Tower Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, after an early morning terrorist attack on the New York landmark. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)

Pedestrians in lower Manhattan watch smoke rise from the World Trade Tower Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, after an early morning terrorist attack on the New York landmark. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)

Photo: AMY SANCETTA/ASSOCIATED PRESS

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A lone firefighter moves through piles of debris at the site of the World Trade Center in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. Two Planes crashed into the upper floors of the World Trade Center towers minutes apart Tuesday morning, collapsing both 110-story buildings. (AP Photo/Graham Morrison)

A lone firefighter moves through piles of debris at the site of the World Trade Center in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. Two Planes crashed into the upper floors of the World Trade Center towers minutes

In a ceremony at Fire Station No. 7 in San Francisco, firefighter Miguel Pelayo reads names of New York firefighters who were killed on Sept. 11, 2001.

In a ceremony at Fire Station No. 7 in San Francisco, firefighter Miguel Pelayo reads names of New York firefighters who were killed on Sept. 11, 2001.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle

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A flag is seen at half-staff for the firefighters who perished in the attacks on 9/11 during a ceremony at Fire Station 7 in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 11, 2017.

A flag is seen at half-staff for the firefighters who perished in the attacks on 9/11 during a ceremony at Fire Station 7 in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 11, 2017.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle

Somber SF ceremonies honor those killed in 9/11 attacks

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Just after 6:45 a.m. on Monday, on the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, four garage doors at Fire Station No. 7 slid up.

One by one, three engines and an SUV started up, purring in the warm morning air. They inched forward, their noses poking out of the station. A dozen firefighters in uniform stood facing the street. Then, silence.

Silence for the emergency responders killed during the worst terrorist attack in the nation's history. Silence for the nearly 3,000 people, most working normal jobs and going about their normal lives when they were killed on Sept. 11, 2001. Silence for the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the crash site in Shanksville, Pa.

At 6:59 a.m., the exact moment the South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York collapsed 16 years ago, the brigade stood at attention, saluting a flag as one firefighter raised it to half-staff. They rang a bell and recited the names of the 343 New York City Fire Department men and women who were killed in the line of duty.

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Thousands of 9/11 victims' relatives, survivors, rescuers and others have gathered at the World Trade Center to remember the deadliest terror attack ever on American soil. (Sept. 11)

Media: Associated Press

As the sky splashed with orange and pink and the sun slowly rose, the firefighters stood at attention and saluted, their faces stoic and ashen.

Every year, the San Francisco Fire Department hosts the same memorial. It never gets any easier.

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“This is an event in America, for my era and younger eras, to not forget,” said Lt. Jonathan Baxter, a San Francisco Fire Department spokesman. “This was an attack on our soil mostly on civilians. EMTs knowingly went into these buildings to do one thing: save lives. That’s an important thing you can’t teach. You have to show it.”

Noticeably absent from Monday morning’s memorial were command staff. They spent the anniversary at Stations 2, 15 and 17 to honor San Francisco Battalion Chief Terry Smerdel, who collapsed and died Sunday after responding to a fire call.

“When you raise your hand and say you will give up your life for another, it’s not just words,” said Assistant SFFD Chief Tom Siragusa. “It’s what is expected.”

As his eyes filled with tears, Siragusa added, “We had a tough weekend as a department,” he said, referring to the loss of Smerdel, a 26-year veteran of the department. “For me, being here every year since, I have a heightened emotion to what is happening this morning.”

At the Pentagon in Washington, President Trump told a crowd that “no force on Earth can take away your memories, diminish your love or break your will to endure, carry on and go forward.

“We can never erase the past or bring back those you lost,” the president said. “We can honor their sacrifice by strengthening our resolve to do whatever we must to keep our people safe.”